MINDLESS vandals could be putting the lives of beach-goers in danger, the RNLI has warned, after lifeguarding equipment on Berrow Beach was damaged.

There have been two incidents in the past month where thoughtless would-be thieves have damaged the hut, causing hundreds of pounds of damage.

The RNLI said that although the lifeguarding service at the beach was not compromised, repair costs to equipment provided by the charity, has diverted funds away from their work in saving lives at sea.

The RNLI has warned that people’s lives could be put in danger as they have to fork out to pay for repairs.

Lifeguard manager Phil Hill added: “Although no vital lifesaving equipment was stolen, part of the structure of the RNLI lifeguard unit has been damaged which will cost hundreds of pounds to repair.

“Mindless acts of vandalism like this could affect our operational readiness and there is the potential for more serious implications.”

The first incident on July 11 saw a padlock was smashed on the RNLI board bin and the lid damaged.

A window was cracked and the flag pole was snapped off the side of the hut.

An attempt was made to access the hut through the storage area.

Nuts and bolts which hold the hut to the balcony had also been removed.

On July 17 someone used bolt cutters to snap the locks on the RNLI’s board bin and then the padlocks were removed.

Police have asked residents and visitors to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to them by calling 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 080055-5111.